The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has amended its regulations around the age test system popularly referred to as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), ahead of the Under 17 (U17) African Cup of Nations in Algeria by April 29 to May 19, 2023, News About Nigeria reports
CAF detailed the amended regulation on its official website, stating that an entire team would be disqualified if four or more of the players fail the test.
The continental body noted that in a situation where only one to three members of the team fall culpable of the regulation, the players will discontinue in the competition, while the team will be allowed to go on in the tournament without replacing the affected team members.
CAF also said the amended regulation will take effect from this year’s tournament.
Full details of the approved Regulation (Article 27) reads:
27.1 For the qualifying phase, an eligibility test will be compulsory performed for all the participating teams before the start of the matches.
27.2 The test will be performed according to CAF Protocol in a health facility duly accredited centre where there is an MRI apparatus (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
27.3 CAF reserve the right to make the eligibility test (MRI) as well during the final phase for the twelve teams qualified to the tournament. The cost of the MRI test that will be covered by CAF.
27.4. If after performing the eligibility test (MRI) for a participating team and four (4) or more of its players are found ineligible, the participating team will be disqualified.
27.5. If after performing an MRI test for a participating team and one (1), two (2) or three (3) of its players are found ineligible, the said player(s) will not be allowed to participate in the competition. The concerned team will be allowed to participate in the competition but is not authorized to replace the ineligible player(s).
27.6. The following procedures shall be followed:
(i) All participating teams are expected to arrive five (5) days before the start of the competition. The host association shall cover the related costs.
(ii) The participating teams may be subjected to MRI tests, to be conducted at the earliest five (5) days before the start of the competition. CAF reserves the right to conduct an MRI Test at any time before or during the competition.
(iii) Any request for a second reading for a player found to be ineligible shall be addressed to CAF by email no later than 3 hours following notification of the outcome of the first reading.
This modification comes into effect from the date of notification of this decision and will be applied in the final tournament of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria 2023.
